Tips to help you study

Just because it's the end of the year doesn't mean your grades can slack

Do you ever find yourself stuck wondering what you should be doing when your not doing it? Or, doing something different then what you should be doing since finals, STARR and AP exams are coming up? That is… STUDYING! Studying really helps when tests, quizzes and other important things are coming up. The end of the year can be the most stressful time of the year for high school students. Ensure that you're prepared for these big exams with these study tips.

1. Create your own study guide
While teachers provide a study guide, creating your own cna help you understand the material better. Outlining the important information that you need to learn can be helpful, both in creation and to refer to during your studies.
2. Ask questions
Your teachers are there to help! Ask them questions regarding the material and the exam so that your prepared when exam time arrives.
3. Attend the reviews
Review sessions offer vital information on exam format, what will be on the exam and key concepts you should be focusing your studies on.
    4. Start early
If you always start ahead of schedule, you'll never be cramming the night before an exam. You'll almost always perform better in doing so!
    5. Organize a group study session
It can be helpful to study in groups – sometimes. Evaluate whether or not studying with others will be beneficial to the subject as well at your learning process.
    6. Study things not on the study guide
Study guides aren’t always comprehensive – they’re just suggestions of the main concepts to learn. Use your study guide for its intended purpose: a guide. Be sure to fill in the blanks with related information.
    7. Take breaks
You won’t be able to memorize or comprehend all the material at once. Balance is key – ensure that you reward learning with break times to recharge and relax.
    8. Stay well rested
There’s a lot to be said about a good night’s sleep. Make sure you’re well rested so that you can be fully focused during your exams.
    9. Create a study schedule and follow it
Splitting the material into chucks you can actually achieve can be very beneficial. That way, you can keep track of what you’ve accomplished instead of looking at the big picture and getting overwhelmed.
    10. Prioritize your study time
Some exams will be more difficult than others, some you may find easier to study for. Some may be worth more of your grade than others. Make sure to evaluate all of your exams to consider and determine all of the involved factors so you can study accordingly.
    11. Study for the style of the exam
If it’s multiple choice, you’ll need to know definitions and concepts. For essay exams, focus on your understanding of all the concepts presented, with examples in mind.
    12. Quiz yourself
If you think about and create actual exam questions, you will likely become more familiar with what you need to study and, in the meantime, familiarize yourself with the type of language that will be on the exam. Draft potential exam questions and quiz yourself so that you can set expectations of what you need to focus on.
    13. Meet with your teacher
Often times, meeting with a teacher can give you helpful hints for what to study and ways to prepare for the exam.
    14. Recognize your notes
Evaluate and organize your notes into what’s important, outlining important concepts, formulas dates and definitions so they’re easy to understand.
    15. Pace yourself
Make sure you stay focused and don’t burn yourself out. A great way to do so is to pace yourself rather than opting for the dreaded all-nighter. You can easily pace yourself by following tips like starting early, creating a study schedule and taking breaks when necessary!
16. Teach classmates
Learning by teaching is a method that really works! If you work with a study buddy and explain concepts to one another, you’re re-learning the material all over again. It’s a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned and help someone in the meantime!
    17. Revolve your focus
Switching up your subjects is a helpful way to learn everything for your exams while preventing burnout on one topic. Make sure to switch it up before your eyes glaze over! That way, you can keep studying for longer periods of time while maintaining your focus.
    18. Color code it
Create a system that allows you to color code material that’s going to be on the exam by what’s most important, less important, etc. This will help you focus on the most pertinent information and prioritize the material.
19. Visualize
If you’re a visual learner, it can help to create mind maps or diagrams to visualize how the concepts you’re learning relate to one another. This is especially beneficial when learning concepts that build upon the understanding of one another, like in science courses.
    20. Make it fun!
It’s easier to focus if you adapt to studying by quizzing yourself, creating acronyms or rewarding yourself for a job well done. Create a game plan – literally – that allows you to accomplish tasks and be rewarded for each.

Katelyn Wesolowski 
Staff Writer